The diploma is a specialized undergraduate program in music performance or collaborative piano in which applicants have previous post-secondary music study.
Diploma in Music Performance
The Diploma in Performance Studies is an advanced program designed to prepare vocalists and instrumentalists for professional performing careers through private instruction and intensive solo and ensemble performance experiences.
A minimum residency of one Winter Session (September to April) is required. In general, applicants should have training equivalent to that of BMus performance graduates of UBC.
Please prepare 20-30 minutes of music that show musical potential and technical facility. A pianist is not required for instrumental auditions. A pianist is usually required for vocal auditions.
Diploma in Collaborative Piano Studies
The School of Music offers a two-year Diploma in Collaborative Piano Studies. The unique demands of collaborative work with singers and instrumentalists require specialized training for pianists.
The diploma program combines repertoire study with a diverse array of courses designed to enhance specific skills in preparation for, or in place of, graduate degree work in collaborative piano.
Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree, generally in piano performance, including several years of experience in collaborative work, vocal and chamber music, and strong proficiency in sight-reading. Some study of German and of French or Italian is recommended.
Auditions are video only, so you can select and rehearse with your partners. However, Zoom interviews are welcome by request. Please contact Professor Rena Sharon at rena.sharon@ubc.ca with any questions relating to application/audition requirements.
- One short solo piece containing some virtuosic element
- Two contrasting movements of an instrumental sonata with partners. Examples: Brahms Opus 120 #1; Prokofiev Opus 80 or 94; Beethoven Sonatas Piano and Violin or Cello; Franck Sonata for Violin and Piano (can be played with other instrumental partners; Rachmaninoff Cello Sonata; Fauré Opus 13. You are welcome to select other repertoires at your preference, reflective of similarly substantive piano parts. String repertoire is preferred but not required.
- One opera aria with a vocal partner, please include a brief synopsis of the aria situated within the Opera plot.
- Two songs with a vocal partner(s): Required: Gretchen am Spinnrade (Goethe/Schubert) and a second song with substantial piano content by another composer (preferably in another language), late 18th century to the present day. Please provide a brief commentary about the poetry of each song and how the piano part describes some aspect(s) of the text.
Application procedure
Step one
Meet the application prerequisite of at least 60 credits of post-secondary study, normally in an accredited BMus performance program. We give preference to applicants who have completed a BMus or graduate degree in music performance.
Step two
Complete the online UBC application and submit any required items. (The Diploma program applications can be found under the “undergraduate” side of the UBC application system even though the previous post-secondary study is required).
Step three
Complete the diploma supplementary application.
Step four
Submit two letters of recommendation. Please direct your recommenders to fulfill and submit the reference form.
Step five
Audition: Auditions are usually offered in person or via video upload. In-person audition information for 2023W will be available soon. Do not make travel plans until you have received a confirmed audition date and time from UBC Music. Because of the changing situations caused by COVID-19, all in-person auditions are subject to cancellation by the university at any time, according to changes in public health orders and university policy.
Please note that diploma students are not eligible for certain scholarships and other types of financial support.
